Temakase just opened in the East Village a few months ago and it’s already a hit with popular food bloggers because of its unique dining experience.
Sushi hand rolls are made right in front of you and it’s suggested you eat them within 30 seconds of the chef putting it in front of you for the best tasting experience. It’s pretty amazing to see the rolls being made.
Due to COVID, orders are placed using your mobile phones, you scan the QR code, place the order and the chef starts to prep the rolls for you.
I arrived on a Sunday afternoon and this was the best time (for me) to go. They’ve limited the number of guests dining which is understandable and your temperature is taken as you walk into the restaurants along with signing a form of your arrival. Reservations are a MUST.
I wasn’t sure what to order and at the time the host was busy with orders so I couldn’t really ask for recommendations so I went on and figured I should go with ordering a combo platter of hand rolls to figure out which ones I like. I went with the “Starving” Temaki Combo: That included Toro, Salmon, Spicy Scallop, Blue Crab and Lobster. I recommend the Blue Crab and Lobster rolls hands down. Those were my favorite! I also suggest getting an order (or 2) of the crispy rice as an appetizer. I’ve been searching the city for crispy rice that lives up to the ones I’ve had in Las Vegas and Temakase’s rolls are in the running for the best crispy rice.
Prices here range from $20 (small) to $26 (large) for boxes of sushi rolls and the hand roll combo’s range from $18-30.
Temakase is perfect for lunch, or a date night meal.
I will definitely order more rolls when I’m in the East Village.
Temakase is available for take out via GrubHub, Seamless, Door Dash and Uber Eats.